Utilizing low-geothermal heat with latest technology

20.8.2018

At Flúðir, small community
in southern Iceland, a new low temperature geothermal plant is rising. The
power plant uses new operating system for the utilization of geothermal heat to
produce electricity. EFLA is the main consultant in the project and is
responsible for designing the piping system, and all subjects related to the
geothermal aspect.

Geothermal heating area in Iceland.

The geothermal
well contains hot water that has a temperature of 116°C and the capacity of the
well is 45 liters per second. With the Climeon Heat Power modules, it is
possible to produce clean energy by utilizing the temperature from 116°C to
76°C and cool the geothermal water. The geothermal fluid heats up a working
fluid that is inside the Heat Power units. The system operates at low-pressure
levels in comparison to traditional heat power solutions.

Efficient method

The system that is used at Flúðir comes from
Climeon, a Swedish company, that provides a new technology based on a binary
cycle, to produce clean electricity from low-temperature heat sources. The
modules can operate in temperatures between 70°C-120°C and utilize the temperature difference between a hot and a cold water and
produce clean electricity. The low pressure requires less energy
needed for pumping resulting in a higher net power output.

Previously
it was considered inefficient to produce electricity from low-heat geothermal
in Iceland due to low energy prices. However this new technology makes this
economically feasible and will enhance the use of geothermal heat in Iceland.

Delivering of heat power modules

The first heat power modules were delivered to
the power plant in Flúðir and a delivery ceremony was held. Approximately 50
guests attended including Ministers from Sweden and Iceland, suppliers,
partners and customers.

The new
power plant is estimated to start producing electricity in the fall of 2018.